(03-28-2012 07:35 PM)michman83 Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 06:59 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:53 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(03-28-2012 08:44 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear emu steve,
Thanks for the reminder that he has to graduate. I forgot about that, but now I remember that, that is one of my objections to Stonum. He will only be here for a year. I know that everyone will be able to point to examples of one year wonders that helped teams the last couple of years, but I still don't think it's worth it.

One thing about football.

Stonum can show up in August, play one season and doesn't even need to return for 2nd semester. OR He could be a part time 2nd semester student and prepare for the NFL draft.

Whereas in other sports which transcend semesters (e.g., hoops, T&F, etc.) the 5th year eligible student would need to return for spring semester.

Talk about making a mockery out of the system and the university. I want EMU to win as much as anyone, but I'd rather lose with legitimate student athletes than win with semi-pro mercenaries. Besides, he's not that good. If he was the second coming of Jerry Rice, I might be tempted, but I'd still say no. Come on everybody, let's all get some self-esteem and fight our own battles, not call on some U-M castoff to get the job done for us.

My guess is that if RE takes him (and is anyone sure he's looking at coming to EMU anyway?) it will be because he's convinced that Stonum is determined to get back on track and he wants to support that. One of the things English preaches to kids, and parents of kids, who want to play college ball is, 'Be a good person.' I think he's sincere about that. If he thought Stonum was less than serious about keeping his nose clean -- which probably means just steering clear of alcohol, period -- then I don't think he'd risk the turnaround in attitude and demeanour he's accomplished at EMU for one player, even if he were a new Jerry Rice.

As usual the folks on this board was on point with their information.. Please see this article about Stonum and EMU as a options for him this season..

http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-footba...finalists/

If I was a betting man, I would say it is 60/40 with him coming here to play WR for us.. I'm wondering whats English take on this... I am a little concerned about him missing a court appearance knowing he is walking a tightrope?

FWIW, now I don't like the smell of what could be happening with Stonum.. As Bob W. said, are we lowering our FB/moral standards for one kid? Also what happen if we invest time putting him on the field and he gets in trouble again, we are screwed. Did we get rid of a WR last year because he was have problems?

This is going as I expected. I believe I posted to the effect that the "Monday after" he graduates he can talk to English and apply for admission to EMU. Apparently graduation day is April 28.

I didn't stop to think that Stonum could have been recruited by English. Hmmmmmmmm....

I'll put Stonum --> EMU at 75+%.

(03-30-2012 04:42 PM)emu steve Wrote:  This is going as I expected. I believe I posted to the effect that the "Monday after" he graduates he can talk to English and apply for admission to EMU. Apparently graduation day is April 28.

I didn't stop to think that Stonum could have been recruited by English. Hmmmmmmmm....

I'll put Stonum --> EMU at 75+%.

Steve, I'd say more like 99.9% He's only mentioned EMU and English, so I'd say it's pretty much a done deal, I guess we should all accept it and hope it works out for the best! The real difficulty is finding a grad program offered at EMU but not at U-M.

(03-30-2012 05:39 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(03-30-2012 04:42 PM)emu steve Wrote:  This is going as I expected. I believe I posted to the effect that the "Monday after" he graduates he can talk to English and apply for admission to EMU. Apparently graduation day is April 28.

I didn't stop to think that Stonum could have been recruited by English. Hmmmmmmmm....

I'll put Stonum --> EMU at 75+%.

Steve, I'd say more like 99.9% He's only mentioned EMU and English, so I'd say it's pretty much a done deal, I guess we should all accept it and hope it works out for the best! The real difficulty is finding a grad program offered at EMU but not at U-M.

Guys, I cannot tell you how big of a deal this would be. English said it himself: WR is one of the biggest weaknesses on the team. Stonum would immediately become one of the best receivers in the MAC. This addition could be the difference between 7-5 versus 5-7.

(03-30-2012 05:39 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(03-30-2012 04:42 PM)emu steve Wrote:  This is going as I expected. I believe I posted to the effect that the "Monday after" he graduates he can talk to English and apply for admission to EMU. Apparently graduation day is April 28.

I didn't stop to think that Stonum could have been recruited by English. Hmmmmmmmm....

I'll put Stonum --> EMU at 75+%.

Steve, I'd say more like 99.9% He's only mentioned EMU and English, so I'd say it's pretty much a done deal, I guess we should all accept it and hope it works out for the best! The real difficulty is finding a grad program offered at EMU but not at U-M.

I think that 'rule' is a fig leaf.

The young lady I know who graduated from Maryland and came to EMU as a graduate student and athlete is in communications.

Maryland doesn't have a graduate program in communications?

Really?

All of a sudden the QB, O'Brien, goes from Maryland to Wisconsin.

Damn, Maryland must be a pretty bad ACC institution...

I think it will be a done deal too...

I hope Stonum tries to be a 'big fish in a small pond' (rather than at UofM being a small fish in a big pond).

Hope he wants to be a leader and a star.

Sometimes students, athletes, etc. flourish in the 'right environment' for them.

Charlie Batch flourished at EMU yet might not have at say Pitt.

Lot of receivers at WMU flourish because the system is good for them.

Dear NUPudge,
This is what I remember:
Yes, offense against defense. Offense wore green, defense wore black.
Yes the offense scored about 60% of the time, and 80% of those plays were runs.
The quarterbacks completed about 40%-50% of their passes, but they were always to a specific receiver, (no looking around for other choices) and I think it was because Coach English was interested in seeing how the defensive backs and linebackers were covering certain offensive schemes. I would grade the quarterbacks "C".
The running backs were quick to the hole and scored several touchdowns. Most of the running was done by Scherer, Greene, and Brumfield.
The secondary looked average in coverage, but there was great pursuit away from the intended receiver. There was one interception.
We have very good receivers. Both wide-outs and tight ends caught the ball very well. Don't remember the name, but number 81 had a bad day. Dropped many passes both in drills and scrimmage.
Happy to answer Pudge. If anyone else has any questions, be happy to try and fill the bill for you.

(03-30-2012 08:39 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear NUPudge,
This is what I remember:
Yes, offense against defense. Offense wore green, defense wore black.
Yes the offense scored about 60% of the time, and 80% of those plays were runs.
The quarterbacks completed about 40%-50% of their passes, but they were always to a specific receiver, (no looking around for other choices) and I think it was because Coach English was interested in seeing how the defensive backs and linebackers were covering certain offensive schemes. I would grade the quarterbacks "C".
The running backs were quick to the hole and scored several touchdowns. Most of the running was done by Scherer, Greene, and Brumfield.
The secondary looked average in coverage, but there was great pursuit away from the intended receiver. There was one interception.
We have very good receivers. Both wide-outs and tight ends caught the ball very well. Don't remember the name, but number 81 had a bad day. Dropped many passes both in drills and scrimmage.
Happy to answer Pudge. If anyone else has any questions, be happy to try and fill the bill for you.

Great reporting Ken, this was what I was looking for..maybe we should create a template that everyone could use so everyone share the same story and grade the same things ...

Just a thought...

Might #81 be Dylan Brooks, #81 last season?

He struggled as a true frosh last season and may not have the speed, etc. to play well at this level.

I believe we signed a lot of TE last month.

Am I connecting the dots????

(03-30-2012 06:25 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(03-30-2012 05:39 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(03-30-2012 04:42 PM)emu steve Wrote:  This is going as I expected. I believe I posted to the effect that the "Monday after" he graduates he can talk to English and apply for admission to EMU. Apparently graduation day is April 28.

I didn't stop to think that Stonum could have been recruited by English. Hmmmmmmmm....

I'll put Stonum --> EMU at 75+%.

Steve, I'd say more like 99.9% He's only mentioned EMU and English, so I'd say it's pretty much a done deal, I guess we should all accept it and hope it works out for the best! The real difficulty is finding a grad program offered at EMU but not at U-M.

Guys, I cannot tell you how big of a deal this would be. English said it himself: WR is one of the biggest weaknesses on the team. Stonum would immediately become one of the best receivers in the MAC. This addition could be the difference between 7-5 versus 5-7.

The way I'm reading it is that it is going to happen. He's already floated out his intentions with EMU the only option discussed. Right now, finding a suitable grad program is probably his main focus.

The pros: he is essentially an "unrestricted free agent" playing for his NFL future. He knows he is going to have to show well to position himself for next year's draft. He's going to have to prove himself on and maybe moreso, off the field. That could result in great performance and leadership for this season.

cons: The only con I could see is if he doesn't get thrown enough balls to showcase his talents. Does he pout, complain, disrupt the chemistry of the team? I don't know his personality, hopefully he doesn't pull a T.O.

I really doubt that he would screw up again off the field. That would be career suicide.

Hi Bob Great points, is Stonum worth the rids/chance? Emusteve, what is his upside (Big play abilities)? I guess these few things I am struggling with. The report says the court had to extend his probation because he missed a court date hearing because he hurt himself while moving.. missing a drug test the court mandated for him?

This doesn't pass the smell taste in my mind.. A young strong football player hurting his arm moving? Huh?

Stonum should know he is being judged on everything he does and missing a court appearances is not the move in the  correct direction..

At 1st I was on the bandwagon saying okay bring him in but now I am not too sure.. I would love to be proved wrong about this.. Didn't English get rid of a WR last year because of problems he had on and off the field (k. Thomas). 

To Bob key points, what happens if Gillett overthrow him or under-throw the ball to him or if he feels he is not getting the football thrown enough his way (remember he is trying to showcase his abilities for the NFL). Does English kick him off the team for causing a distraction? Is he too close to his U of M friends that they could causes him to float back in the same trouble he trying to stay away from? Guys I just not know..

Guys, I wouldn't try to over analyze it.

English knows him. Hoke knows him. English knows Hoke.

If English likes the risk/reward equation then I'm good with it.

(03-31-2012 08:28 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Guys, I wouldn't try to over analyze it.

English knows him. Hoke knows him. English knows Hoke.

If English likes the risk/reward equation then I'm good with it.

There's soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo many "if's" here...
If he graduates...
If he continues to stay out of trouble...
If he can find a grad program at EMU that isn't at UofM...
If English is even interested in taking the guy...
If his arm heals properly...
If he decides to pursue EMU...
If he can pick up the system and beat out other wide receivers...

As my uncle would say... If "if" was a fifth... We'd alllllllllllll be drunk!

However, there is spring ball being played and presenting many more concrete things for us to discuss...
This is a Spring game thread... Right? :-)

I guess a spring ball thread is about who is hitting, who is throwing, who is catching (or dropping) balls, who is injured, who is coming, who is leaving, potential recruits looking, etc.

So far this thread has a who is dropping balls (Brooks), injured (Hester), coming (Stonum??), etc.

We have kind of overdid the Stonum bit. Please let this one play itself out.

Just remember spring game is 15 days away and we'll have more to chew on.

P.S. I HOPE Hester can be back in Fall. IF I remember correctly he has used a redhsirt year and a med redshirt year would be a lost season for him - can't get it back. Achilles tendons I don't believe heal too quickly.

With Stonum, he has excellent potential on special teams. As someone mentioned earlier, he is a burner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxTAFYU-US4 1:35 just too see how much of a burner he is). Having an abundance of good receivers couldn’t hurt our chances. Additionally, if his talent shines through like its suggested he has it could bring good attention to the program; having players drafted hasn’t hurt a program before. So with that said, If English thinks its right then ill trust his decision

My issue with Stonum is that he's still making the same mistakes he was making while playing at UofM. He just missed another drug test and had his probation extended. This guy should be busting his butt to make every test, meeting etc.... He has not shown he is willing to "MAN UP". This not a good message to send to our kids, university or fans. As someone who has spent their adult life working in the criminal justice system I can tell you there are ways to get a hold of your probation officer, community corrections personnel or whom ever is in charge of your drug testing without violating. No matter what injury Mr. Stonum has, he should have made his drug test or made alternate arrangements. This kid just doesn't get it and he never will. This isn't a kid who made one mistake, he's made several and even now with the oppurtunity to transfer and salvage his career he is still screwing up.

(04-01-2012 03:07 PM)emdypo Wrote:  My issue with Stonum is that he's still making the same mistakes he was making while playing at UofM. He just missed another drug test and had his probation extended. This guy should be busting his butt to make every test, meeting etc.... He has not shown he is willing to "MAN UP". This not a good message to send to our kids, university or fans. As someone who has spent their adult life working in the criminal justice system I can tell you there are ways to get a hold of your probation officer, community corrections personnel or whom ever is in charge of your drug testing without violating. No matter what injury Mr. Stonum has, he should have made his drug test or made alternate arrangements. This kid just doesn't get it and he never will. This isn't a kid who made one mistake, he's made several and even now with the oppurtunity to transfer and salvage his career he is still screwing up.

What do you mean " he is still screwing up" ?

(04-01-2012 04:00 PM)NUPudge Wrote:  

(04-01-2012 03:07 PM)emdypo Wrote:  My issue with Stonum is that he's still making the same mistakes he was making while playing at UofM. He just missed another drug test and had his probation extended. This guy should be busting his butt to make every test, meeting etc.... He has not shown he is willing to "MAN UP". This not a good message to send to our kids, university or fans. As someone who has spent their adult life working in the criminal justice system I can tell you there are ways to get a hold of your probation officer, community corrections personnel or whom ever is in charge of your drug testing without violating. No matter what injury Mr. Stonum has, he should have made his drug test or made alternate arrangements. This kid just doesn't get it and he never will. This isn't a kid who made one mistake, he's made several and even now with the oppurtunity to transfer and salvage his career he is still screwing up.

What do you mean " he is still screwing up" ?

By missing mandatory drug tests and being irresponsible. I kind of agree, you'd think being arrested, spending time in jail, and getting kicked off the U-M football team would be a quite an eye opening set of experiences...the chance of missing out on the lottery, i.e. being a professional athlete due to being immature, irresponsible, and frankly, stupid, is mind boggling...

nupudge,

Did you even read the article or are you so obsessed with getting this guy in an EMU uniform that you glossed over the part where it says his probation was extended for 30 days for missing a mandatory drug test. This is the problem with some of the people on this site; when becoming a fan changes over to being a fanatic. I love EMU, my wife and I both graduated from Eastern, but my enthusiasm for its sports teams doesn't supercede my morality. I like Coach English and up until now I respect what he's done for EMU football but if he signs this guy it proves that he cares more about winning then building a program of character. Mr. Stonum will have a degree from a great University, he can take his talents to the next level without playing another down of collegiate football, I really hope English doesn't jeopardize his integrity and reputation on this kid.

(03-31-2012 08:28 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Guys, I wouldn't try to over analyze it.

English knows him. Hoke knows him. English knows Hoke.

If English likes the risk/reward equation then I'm good with it.

Well put.

(04-01-2012 09:58 PM)emdypo Wrote:  nupudge,

Did you even read the article or are you so obsessed with getting this guy in an EMU uniform that you glossed over the part where it says his probation was extended for 30 days for missing a mandatory drug test. This is the problem with some of the people on this site; when becoming a fan changes over to being a fanatic. I love EMU, my wife and I both graduated from Eastern, but my enthusiasm for its sports teams doesn't supercede my morality. I like Coach English and up until now I respect what he's done for EMU football but if he signs this guy it proves that he cares more about winning then building a program of character. Mr. Stonum will have a degree from a great University, he can take his talents to the next level without playing another down of collegiate football, I really hope English doesn't jeopardize his integrity and reputation on this kid.

Sorry my friend but I think you misread my comments, I was saying maybe English shouldn't sign this kid because of his past problem.. You and I are in agreement on this young man...

I also said I will support English if he goes with this kid because English will be the person one who would be answering to people if it fails, and it seems as if Coach English pasts has shown he has made good desicion for EMU and team for the best results for everyone involved..